Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease is a deficiency of cortisol (a hormone produced by the adrenal gland) or aldosterone (a steroid produced by the adrenal gland). It is caused by either faulty adrenal glands or abnormal signals sent from the pituitary gland. It can occur in both dogs and cats.

SYMPTOMS

Addison’s disease has a variety of vague symptoms which can leave and return at any time.

Vomiting: When infected with Addison’s disease, pets will vomit much more than what is considered usual. Keep an eye on your pet and, if they are vomiting often, it could be a sign of the disease.

Diarrhoea:Like vomiting, the pet will begin to produce liquid faeces in large amounts. The excrement will smell bad and there may be blood in the stool. Keep an eye on the colour and note the frequency with which your animal is passing waste.

Weakness: If your pet isn’t showing its usual enthusiasm for food or it is showing intolerance for physical exercise, there’s a good chance the animal is seriously ill. Look out for the signs of physical weakness such as wobbly back legs, an inability to balance properly and general lethargy. They may also have difficulty climbing stairs.

Weight Loss.You will notice that your pet will begin to lose weight quickly. Diarrhoea and vomiting will cause the animal to lose condition and appetite will become severely reduced.

Addison’s disease is difficult to diagnose since its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Excessive drinking and urination could be symptoms of diabetes, while anorexia, vomiting and diarrhoea could indicate a gastrointestinal disease or parasitic infection. It is important to see a vet at the first sign of any abnormality to rule out any of these conditions. Furthermore, around 5% of pets may suffer other endocrine diseases at the same time as Addison’s, meaning they could have both Addison’s and hypothyroidism and/or diabetes.

Addison’s disease can be prevented by focusing on symptom relief. Treating fungal and/or bacterial infections, managing diabetes and identifying signs of cancer are the best way to prevent the disease.

INTERESTING DISEASE FACTS

Addison’s disease can affect humans too, although it is rare. Approximately 1-4 in 100,000 people are sufferers.

The disease is named after Dr. Thomas Addison, who discovered it in 1849.

Cortisol is an important hormone for controlling stress, maintaining blood pressure & blood sugar, assisting the immune system and regulating metabolism.

Aldosterone is important in controlling blood pressure and the water/salt balance in the body.

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2 The 2 months free offer entitles you to the equivalent of 2 months free premium over the first year of cover. The discount will be spread over the course of the first year and deducted from the standard monthly payment. This offer only applies to new policies for eligible pets under the age of 12 months and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. We may revoke this offer at any time without notice to you.3 Offer only eligible to policy holders who continue to hold their policy after the 21-day cooling off period has ended. Offer also applies each policy year where you change your contact details or your pet’s tag is lost. Limit of one (1) Pet ID Tag per policy year.4 As long as you continue to renew your policy and there are no breaks, lapse or change in the level of cover after your pet reaches the age of 9 (subject to the applicable terms and conditions).5 You may apply for a review of a Pre-existing Condition exclusion after 18 months of the original policy Commencement Date and provided your vet has verified your Pet has been free from clinical signs, symptoms or recurrence of the Pre-existing Condition. For more details refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.6 According to productreview.com.au7 Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover.8 Only applies to treatments under the optional Routine Care cover. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for further details.9 Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for further details.10 Terms and conditions apply. Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for further details.11 Excluding pre-existing conditions.12 For more information about our policy options and any terms and conditions, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.13 This is an example only. Not all conditions and treatment will be covered. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover.14 This is based on how Bow Wow Meow policy holders have insured their pets from 1/10/2017 – 30/09/2018.15 Most common health issues for this pet/breed from 1/10/2017 – 30/09/2018.16 This is based on Bow Wow Meow policy holders who made claims for this pet/breed from 1/10/2017 – 30/09/2018.